Ed Sheeran's Opening Acts Drop Off US Tour After Macklemore Axing
All of the remaining opening acts on Ed Sheeran's ‘Loop’ tour have dropped out after Macklemore was axed for making pro-Palestine comments onstage.
All of the remaining opening acts on Ed Sheeran's ‘Loop’ tour have dropped out after Macklemore was axed for making pro-Palestine comments onstage.
Irish folk band Beoga, who perform alongside Sheeran during his set, have also walked away.
Finneas announced he would no longer join the tour’s South American leg, scheduled to begin in November. “Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” he wrote on Instagram. “I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.”
Graham and Rowe have withdrawn from the remaining US dates, with both thanking Sheeran while explaining why they couldn’t continue.
“Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge,” Graham wrote.
Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.
Rowe said he did not “take the decision lightly”, pointing to Ireland’s history of colonisation.
“As Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation… I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.”
Beoga said they supported Macklemore's message and could no longer perform at venues that restricted advocacy for Palestinians. “We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people. As musicians, playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.”
The departures follow Macklemore’s removal after performances at MetLife Stadium, where he shouted "Free Palestine", displayed images from Gaza and performed his protest track "Hind’s Hall".
Macklemore alleged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft organised pressure from stadium owners to have him removed. Kraft confirmed he would bar the rapper from Gillette Stadium, citing concerns about antisemitic rhetoric and imagery, but did not address the allegation involving other owners.
Sheeran said promoter Messina Touring Group made the decision following pressure from venues, and that his efforts to find a solution had failed.
From Tone Deaf
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Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.
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